Once you leave the tattoo studio, it is your responsibility to ensure that your new tattoo is cared for. After you have received your tattoo, the artist is not responsible for any infections you may have, if you don’t take proper care of your tattoo. It is very important that you follow these guidelines during the healing process.

For cling film/traditional tattoo healing-

• Wear the cling film that I apply on your tattoo for the first hour after your appointment. This helps to prevent infections caused by touching the fresh wound, and possible cross contamination from dripping body fluid.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before caring for your new tattoo
• After the first hour, remove the bandage and clean the tattoo using an unscented, antibacterial soap. Wash your tattoo with a flat hand until the area is smooth. Any bumps or dried blood can cause scabs if left behind. Scabs can affect the outcome of the artwork, and may cause scarring.
• Air dry, or softly blot the tattoo with a clean paper towel. (DO NOT use a bath or hand towel, these harbor bacteria and may cause an infection)
• Apply a small amount of tattoo aftercare balm, or unscented, non-petroleum based lotion to the area.
• Repeat this process two to three times a day, until the tattoo begins to peel. When the tattoo starts to peel, it will feel itchy. It is important to not scratch at, or pick at your tattoo. This will cause scarred tissue to form and will negatively impact the outcome of your artwork.
• Keep your tattoo out of prolonged sun exposure for at least 2 weeks, or until the tattoo has finished healing.
• Do not soak your tattoo in water for 3-4 weeks, or until after it has finished healing. Avoid hot tubs, baths, or swimming. Showering is okay, and encouraged. Please shower.
• Wear breathable clothing whenever possible, and sleep in clean sheets at night.
• Do not allow pets or children to touch your healing tattoo.
• If the tattoo becomes infected (soreness and redness that persists after the first few days) Email me photos of the infected area, and see a physician immediately
• After your tattoo has healed, you will want to apply sunscreen to it to protect your art from UV rays, as unprotected sun exposure will cause your tattoo to fade over time.

For Dermshield bandage healing-

• I will apply a Dermshield bandage to your artwork at the end of your tattoo session. Please remove this bandage after 1 to 4 days.
• You may notice an ink sack develop within the Dermshield. Do not pop or pierce this. If the bandage leaks or is compromised, remove completely and finish healing using the traditional healing method. If any redness or irritation occurs from the Dermshield, immediately remove the bandage and contact me.
• You may shower, exercise, and go about your daily life normally with Dermshield bandages on. Do not soak your bandage under water in a bath, swimming pool, or hot tub.
• Dermshield removal is best done in a warm shower, by pulling the bandage slowly away from your skin in a downward motion (similar to pulling off a command strip.)
• Wash your tattoo with unscented/antibacterial soap and allow to air dry.
• After air drying, apply a thin amount of moisturizer or tattoo balm to the tattoo with clean hands.
• Continue your aftercare following the traditional method outlined above until your tattoo is fully healed.